BBC presenter Holly Hamilton appeared on Morning Live on 8 July to warn travellers about hidden traps when arranging flights abroad, specifically regarding Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTAs) required for countries like the US, Canada, and Australia. A MoneySavingExpert investigation revealed that Sherpa, a third-party website used by British Airways, imposes administration fees on top of official costs, even for permits that are free.
Sherpa Charges Extra Fees
Hamilton explained that Sherpa is not the permit issuer but processes applications on behalf of travellers, charging a premium. For example, the official US ESTA fee is £30.16, while Sherpa charges £51.43. Australia's eVisitor permit is free from the Australian government, but Sherpa charges £16.52. She stated: "You're essentially paying for them to do a bit of admin for you."
Risk of Unauthorised Websites
Hamilton warned that travellers trying to avoid extra fees by searching online for ESTA forms may land on unauthorised third-party sites that take money without submitting applications. She advised: "Please do not do that because it's very easy to click on unauthorised sites that might not help you actually fill out the application." She recommended using official government websites directly or asking a friend or family member for help.
Sherpa and BA Responses
Sherpa stated that users often find government portals confusing and that their service simplifies the process with 24/7 support and AI features. They added that they are transparent about fee breakdowns and offer options to go directly to government systems. British Airways said they offer an optional third-party service for entry requirements and make it clear that customers can apply via official channels.
